In the realm of literature, among the classics,
the Indian classics stand differently. They are deep-rooted in culture and
tradition and rich with diversity. They give a different perspective and
tackles on contemporary issues that are less talked of. Here are
5 best-selling Indian classics that
book lovers should read at least once.
The God of Small Things by Arundhati
Roy
This modern classic is one of the most widely
celebrated Indian novels in India and the world. Set in the South-Indian state of
Kerala, Roy’s award-winning story weaves
together the lives of members of the dysfunctional Kochamma family. The story
follows the life of twins Estha and Rahel, and how their life changes with the
arrival of their cousin Sophie. The narrative is filled with instances of love,
betrayal kinship, and slight political predispositions with themes of caste and
class. A must-read Indian novel for
all book lovers.
Shadow Lines by Amitav
Gosh
Shadow lines recount the history of the Indian
Partition, the liberation movement, and other significant historical events. The
narrative jumps between instances in times showing the story of a Bengali
family, across three generations. Gosh has successfully captured the
perspective of time and events, of lines that bring people together and hold
them apart. This book remains one of the Top Bestselling Indian Novels of All Time.
The White Tiger by Arvind
Adiga
Adiga's darkly comic novel is an indictment of
India's social and economic inequalities. The story follows Balram a cunning
and ambitious chauffeur, it takes readers through the unseen parts of India
showing the challenges faced by those at the bottom of the social hierarchy, and
offers a heated critique of the caste system, corruption, and exploitation in
contemporary India. The satirical stance and biting social commentary of the book
have made it a must-read Indian novel.
A Suitable Boy by Vikram
Seth
Seth's brilliant epic provides vivid imagery
of post-independence India. Set in the early 1950s, the narrative follows the
lives of four families navigating the social challenges of love, marriage, and
tradition in a small village called Brahmpur. It is a story that depicts the
Indian Culture where parents seek Suitable matches for their children. The
novel not only covers the search for a suitable boy but also covers other
issues like Hindu-Muslim rivalry, elimination of the Zamindari System, and
empowerment of Muslim women. A beautiful story and a must-read Indian novel.
The Namesake by Jhumpa
Lahiri
Lahiri gracefully delves into the complexities
of the Immigrant experience- cultural differences, shifts in lifestyles, and a huge
generation gap, by narrating the life of a simple Bengali family who shifts
from Calcutta to America and how life gets difficult to cope with this deep-rooted Indian family. The story starts by showing the life of a young Indian
couple, Ashoke and Ashima, who were the first to arrive in the country, and
continues to follow the lives of their children. The book focuses mostly on Ashoke
and Ashima’s firstborn, a son named Gogol and his struggles with his unique
name and time passes.The author keeps a taut narrative tension throughout the
novel which draws readers into the story.
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